Double-walled vacuum insulated tank car



'Jan- 21, 1941 o..A. HANSEN TAL 2,229l

DOUBLE-WALLED VACUUM INSULATED TANK CAR Fiied Aug. 19, 1959 4 sheets-sheet 1 WW l uw" wuvmlwj/ @vwm ATTORNEYS Jan. 21, 1941. o, A, HANSEN ETAL DOUBLE-mmm VACUUM INsuLATED 'mm can' Filed Aug. 19, 1939 4 sheets-sheet 2 "*HHHHH Hm 9 @UH ".1

Jan. 21, 1941.

4 Sheets-Sheetl 3 Filed Aug. 19. 1939 m .w Il. NIIIHHHII H llllH//l/ ./7// l I l l l l l l l l l ll.: 0 n

l. 2 M f 5 w y w I l. M

0 7. y( 1i \\L 34 N um w..

2 l nu INVENTQRS @6M 1 BY', l f mim/5M AfNE Jan 21, 1941. o. A. HANSEN ETAI.

DOUBLE-WALLED VACUUM INSULATED 'TANK CAR Y Filed Aug. 19, 1959' 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 NRS BY AQW 1111 tamed .1511.21, 1941 f Nrreo erica DlUBLE-WLLED VACWlUlt/lll llNSlUlLTED TM U Appiieann august 1e, 19211, senza no. 220,212

llt Gianna rilhis invention relates to double-walled tank cars and the like which may have their insulating space evacuated, and particularly to filling and withdrawal connections for such tank cars when o designed for the handling and/or transportation of a liquefied gas, such as liquid oxygen.

The invention has for its object generally the provision of an arrangement of filling and with.-

drawal connections which affordsvboth safety and ill convenience when lling or withdrawing liquid together with protection of the connections against injury whereby loss of liquid in transit may be avoided. 1 More specifically, the invention has for its obit ject the provision of suitable lling and withdrawal connections in tank cars of the character indicated, such connections being arranged to be operated from either side of the car with substantially a maximum amount of certainty, convenience, and safety, and without liability to the impairment of the vacuum between the walls of the component vessels in the tank car.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tank car of the character indicated with filling and withdrawal connections having substantially `no exposed parts including protected portions adapted to permit expansion and contraction in the conduit connections between the inner and outer vessels.

AnotherV object is to provide a safe and convenient arrangement for insuring the withdrawal oi liquid where an internal or protected valve is employed by the provision of suitable auxiliary withdrawal ,connections for use in eiecting the withdrawal of liquid in the event of some failure l in the valve mechanism.

Still another object is to provide convenient protecting and strengthening means for the Whole tank car and its operating connections, including im gas phase, liquid phase, and liquid-level indicating connections by the construction of a structure cooperating with the frame and arranged to enclose the tanks or vessels, such, for example, as a box-car housing.

215 Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invertion accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts, which will be exempli- 501 ed in the Construction hereinafter set forth and the scopeof the invention will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objectsA of the invention, reference should be had M to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in

. which:

Fig. l is a view of a construction for doublewalled tank cars provided with a protecting boxcar housing, shown partly in elevation and partly 5 in vertical section (the section being at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the car), the tank car being adapted for storing and/or transporting liquid oxygen in accordance with the invention; lo

Fig. 2 is an enlarged end elevation of the tank car shown in Fig. 1, part of the bon-car housing being broken away to showthe end construction employed on the outer vessel of the tank car;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentarysectional view l5 taken in a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the tank car, the fragment shown being in the neighborhood of the gas phase and liquid phase connections of the tank car shown in Fig.` l; 20

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view on a reduced scale, showing a plan of the gas phase .and liquid phase connections shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 5 5 in Fig. l, showing details of the 25 anchoring means here employed;

Fig. 6 is al fragmentary sectional view showing details of the staying means provided for bracing the inner vessel against side swaying;

, Fig. 7 is another fragmentary sectional View 3o showing details of a controlling means for the main liquid phase connection shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on the broken line 88 of Fig. '7;

Fig. 9 is still another fragmentary sectional 35 view, showing interior details of the valve shown in Fig. 7; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view showing details of the staying means for anchoring an end of the inner vessel to an end wall of the outer vessel.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, l0 denotes a supporting frame exteriorly associated with a cylindrical container,

hereinafter more fully explained. The space between the vessels thus provided is a closed space and has no communication with the outside exintervals and have one or more openings .III atl the top to permit passage of gas, while similar `openings, although preferably larger, are provided at the bottom, as shown at iI2,-for permitting the free passage of liquid therethrough;r

A gas phase connection I3 is provided, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, leading through a bend ISI from a point within the inner vessel, preferably near the top, to a point adjacent one side of a car frame 20 outside the outer vessel, there being a similar gas phase connection I3' leading to a similarly located point on the other side of the car frame. A liquid phase connection I t is also provided, leading from a point near the bottom i of the vessel II to a suitable point outside the vessel I2 and disposed adjacent one side of the car frame, there being a similar liquid phase connection I4' at the other side. The liquid phase connections I4 and I4' have communication with the interior oi' vessel II through a common liquid controlling means I 5 that is provided in an opening I6 (see Fig. 7) in the bottom wall of vessel I I. Removable closure plates may be provided'on the end of these connections, if desired, as shown at I4, on the exterior ends of connections I and I4'. When suchclosure plate is removed from a connection, the latter may thenbe connected to a suitable lling or receiving device, as the case may be. Each of the connections I3, I3', Id and I4 is provided at the point where it passes through the wall oi the vessel I2 with a suitable sealing means which has relatively low thermal conductivity, for example, with a conical sealing wall I8, as shown in section on connection Id, the conical wall being welded or otherwise rigidly secured in place between the wall of the outer vessel I2 and its connection. IThe vessel II may also be provided with one or more trycock connections, for example, as shown at I 4I, |42, and M3, each having a trycock I4Il, such connection being anchored at its outer end in a sleeve H44 in the wall of vessel I2.

The inner vessel II is here shown as provided also .with an auxiliary liquid phase connection Il leading from a point near the bottom of the vessel I2 and communicating through an elbow ITG near the top on the exterior of the vessel Il with a branch I'II which extendsl about a side of the vessel I and communicates with a horizontal passage in a multi-way header I 9 that is attached externally to the controlling means I8 and has an upwardly extending passage leading thereto.

The header I9 is lpreferably formed with a pair of passages leading respectively in opposite directions to the connections I4 and I4', all as clearly shown in Fig. 4. The auxiliary connection here provided has no valve but is not without control. The controlling agent is seen to be the column of liquid which normally stands under the control of gravity in the portion oi' the conduit I1 that is within the inner vessel, such column being displaceable when desired by the application of pressure or suction.

In tank cars of the character here provided, the inner and outer vessels are, of course, relatively long cylindrical vessels and each frame I0, which supports the same, advantageously comprises a structure disposed on the car frame transversely of its longitudinal axis and employs one or more plate members as shown at I0a having strengthening webs, as indicated at I 0b and I0c in Fig. 1, such plates each having a central opening of sufficient diameter to permit the snug passage of the vessel I2 through the same and its rigid attachment thereto, as by welding or the like. One such frame is disposed adjacent -each l end of the car frame, the latter being here shown as consisting of a center sill 20c and two side sills 20a and 20h.

In order that the frames I0 may be positioned at desired points along the car frame, the latter is provided with holsters in addition to the conventional bolsters over the car trucks. Such additional bolsters are here shown as comprising transverse members 2i and 2l' incorporated in the car frame. frames I9 are disposed; a strengthening plate 22 being preferably interposed between the additional bolsters and the frames I 0. A series of such strengthening plates may be employed, if desired, and marie to overlie and be secured to the car frame, forming, as it were, a floor. In such case, the car frame is additionally strengthened by the addition of a housing, such as the box-car housing 299. The box-car housing shown has side doors as indicated at 20! and 202 disposed on opposite sides of lthe car in the neighborhood of the terminal portions of the lling and withdrawal connections. The box-car housing is also advantageously provided with an end door 293, as shown in Fig. 2, in order to provide access to the clearance space in the end of the box-car housing.

The inner vessel II is supported directly from the frames I0 and not from the surface of the wall of vessel I2. This is here accomplished by the provision of girth members or slings 24 disposed about and preferably made fast to the bottom wall of the vessel I I in the region of a frame I9. The upper end of each girth member is provided wlth a bracket or lug 25 in which is secured a sustaining rod or cable 26 which extends generally upwardly and outwardly and is made fast at its upper end to the frame I0 in any suitable manner, for example, by means of a collar, as shown at 2l in Figs. 1 and v5, that is welded in place in a web portion I0c. Each rod so provided is threaded at its upper end and passed through the collar 2l and has one or more nuts 26 in threaded engagement therewith and bearing upon the collar 21. The details shown in Figs. l and 5 for the frames I0 are no part of the present invention, such details being shown merely by way of example, since the frames may have other forms as more broadly taught in the copending applications led in the name of Hansen on August 19, 1939, and designated by Serial Nos. 290,969 and 290,970, respectively. V

In order to pass the rods 26 through the wall of vessel I2 in a gas-tight manner, openings are provided in the wall in the region where the rods are provided and a sleeve 28 disposed about each rod 26 and attached in a gas-tight manner, as by welding or brazing, to an edge of the opening in vessel I2, the other end of the sleeve being en- Over these additional bolsters the gaged with and made fast to the lower end oi the collar 21 which is preferably reduced for the reception of the sleeve, the joint being sealed by welding or brazing, as shown in Fig. 5. The joint between vthe collar and nuts is also'made gastight, while at the same time preserving adjustability of the nuts by disposing a cap or housing lil over the nuts 26', the cap being preferably secured in place by soft solder.

ln order that the outer vessel I2 may be braced against end thrusts and otherwise afford additional support for the vessel, web members 30 and tt are preferably interposed between the car frame and the outside wall of vessel I2 at one or more points, for example, adjacent an additional bolster 2l, as shown in Fig. l. The members db and di may be of any convenient form, and those shown being made from an l-beam by cutting off the bottom ange and then bendingover the web portion so as to provide an angleportion which is bolted in place to the plate 22 as indicated at 3|, the upper flange being made fast to the wall of the outer vessel in any imperforate manner, for example, by welding or brazing.

The inner vessel is also braced against end thrusts by suitable means, for example, by means of a stay rod, as shown at 36 in Fig. l0, made fast at one end to the wall of the inner vessel byA suitable means and resiliently anchored at the other end in an end wall of vessel I2. rIhis latter is accomplished by arranging each rod 36 to pass through a collar :il and threading the same to receivenuts 36' bearing on the collar, the collar being preferably arranged to react against a spring member it disposed in a receptacle 39, the receptacle having its inner end partially closed so as to support the spring member 38 but admits the free passage of a rod 36. Such receptacle is welded or otherwise hermetically sealed in the end wall and is reinforced in its position by means of a stay member 52. The receptacle 3Q is also hermetically sealed by means of a closing housing ill that is also preferably secured in place by means of soft solder.

The inner vessel is advantageously stayed against swaying in the outer vessel by means of two or more downwardly and outwardly disposed stay rods 46 made fast at one end to an end wall of inner vessel ll and anchored at their lower ends in the end wall of the-outer vessel I2, as shown in Fig. 6. This anchorage is accomplished by passing each rodil through a collar 4l, and providing its end with threads for the reception of nuts 46 that engage with the collar 41. Such collar is here shown as reduced at its inner end and slipped into a sleeve 48 which projects through a suitable opening in' the end wall of vessel I2 and is both welded in place and reinforced in position by the insertion of staying webs, as shown at 48'. The outer end of each sleeve is also hermetically sealed by means of a lhousing 49 that is slipped over the outer end and may be secured by soft solder.

The arrangements of the gas phase connections it and I3 are shown in Figs. 3 and 4, such connections leading from either side of the car. The liquid phase connections I4 and I4' are also shown. When liquid is introduced into the inner vessel, either through connection I4 or I4', gas is simultaneously displaced through the connections I3 and I3', which communicate with the top space in vessel II through elbows, as shown at lill and |30. These elbows are preferably welded in openings formed in the top wall of the vessel II and have downwardly depending ends which may with advantage be provided with means for excluding .liquid arising from splashing. This means is shown as comprising a depending annulus |32 secured on the inside of the top wall of vessel II concentric with the depending end of the elbow. Spaced from the annulus |32 is a second or outer annulus i3d which is also secured in which a riser portion communicates with an' elbow llt at the top of the vessel Il, the elbow being preferably welded in place. From the elbow Illll there leads a portion or bend l'iI that cornmunicates with the header It so as to effect withdrawals of liquid on opposite sides of the car. The inner end of the riser portion of connection I 'l reaches nearly to the bottom of vessel l l and is slipped into a centering device lli, disposed interiorly on the bottom wall of vessel l l The centering means Ill has one or more openings at the sides; as shown at Illil.

A preferred construction for the liquid controlling means Ib is shown in'ligs. '7, 8, and 9. Here, a valve member itt in a cage itl that has side openings lli is provided and screwed downwardly into a receptacle member ibi which is welded in a substantially flush manner in an opening in the bottom wall of vessel II. This receptacle member is provided with a depending nipple lll leading into the header It, the latter being secured thereto by brazing or welding. The valve cage IEI is also preferably surrounded with a ltering means, such as the perforated cone shown at |55. A valve actuating stem ld is shown in threaded engagement with a top closure element of the valve cage Ibi, which stern is ar.- ranged to be connected to a coupling sleeve IE'I that is pinned to the stem by a pin Idd. This is clearly shown in Fig. 8, where a reducing bushing |51' is shown intervening between sleeve and stern. Sleeve '|57 is provided at the top with a socket member |59 welded or otherwise rigidly secured in place. This member |59 is shaped (i. e., made with a square, hexagonal, or other shaped opening) to receive the lower or actuating end of a valve rod IGI'J (See Fig. 3) that is passed from a convenient exterior point downwardly through the walls of the inner and outer vessels and is provided .at its top with a manually manipulated actuating wheel IGI. The passage of the valve rod through the walls of the vessels II and I2 is accomplished in a gas-tight manner which also admits of limited relative movement between the vessels without straining the parts. This isaccomplishedby passing the stem |60 from the hand-wheel IBI through a packing gland at |62 which is welded or otherwise secured in the top of a dome |63 which in turn is welded or otherwise secured in an opening in the top wall of vessel I2. Extending interiorly from the packing gland around the valve rod down through the space between the vessels is an expansible bellows |64 which is welded to the gland at one end and at the other is secured in an opening in the top of another dome |65 that is hermetically sealed inthe top wall of the vessel II.

In addition 'to the opening in the top wall of y vessel AI2 over which the dome |63 is sealed, one

or more additional top lopenings may be provided for affording access to the space between the walls of vessels I| and I2 and also for the purpose of introducing a suitable lling of `a substantially dry insulating material in a powdered or comminuted condition. A dome of this character is shown at |66 in Fig. 1, which would be sealed in place substantially in the same manner as is dome |63. i

Other openings for access to the space between the walls of the vessels at points adjacent the bottom of vessel I2 are also preferably provided, one such other opening being shown closed by a dome |66', shown in an end wall near the bottom in Fig. 2; dome |66 being preferably constructed in a suitable manner for holding soft solder in place for sealing purposes.

In the arrangement of the pipe connections shown in Fig. 4, it is seen that the liquid phase connections each contain a loop disposed between the header I9 andthe point Where the connection passes through its cone I8 in the wall of vessel I2. The two loops of connections I4 and I4' together comprise a somewhat S-shaped conduit that is disposed in the space between the vessels II and I2 and enveloped by the powdered insulating material with which the space is lled. Thus, it is seen that the liquid phase connections are protected and adapted to accommodate not o'nly movements due to expansion and contraction in the conduits themselves but also accommodate the movement caused by the limited relative motion between the vessels I I and I2 `without unduly straining the parts. The arrangement of auxiliary liquid phase connection Il is also seen to have an outside section accommodating expansion and contraction and entering into the header I9,` The gas phase connections I3 and I3 are also seen to be bent back upon themselves and provide looped sections prior to their exit through the wall of the vessel I2. By such loops as are thus provided, it is seen that expansion and contraction and other movement of these parts are also accommodated without unduly straining the Darts.

The tank car thus constructed advantageously has the space between the vessels II and I2 evacuated, the vacuum which is pulled being of the order of 0.1 mm. of mercury. Such a degree of vacuum may be pulled by connecting the space between the vessels II and I2 through a suitable connection and 'a' mechanical vacuum pump, which may be 'either-permanently installed on the tank car or temporarily connected at a service or supply station. When the space between the vessels II and I2 has been properly illled and evacuated, the heat conductivity of the space between the vessels is reduced to relatively low value and a llqueed gas stored or introduced into the inner vessel may be retained therein for long periods of time without substantial losses of gas material by reason -of evaporation. u The order of the vacuum and the nature of the lling other injury thereto.

that a liquid phase connection, such as shown at I4, may be connected with the source of supply. Liquid is forced through such connection into the vessel II under pressure, any gas within the vessel I I finding free exit through the gas phase connections I3 and I3 which are freely open to the atmosphere.

Toascertain when the vessel II is properly lled with liquid, the trycocks |40 may be opened from time to time, their connections being shown respectively at I4I, |42, and |43. The trycock connection I4| is normally always in communication with a gas space within the. Vessel II. Should liquid come out of this connection when open, it is an indication that the vessel is too full. When only connection I 42 shows liquid 'while connection I 4| vents gas, it is an indication that the desired liquid level within the vessel II, shown in Fig. 1, is attained. Filling of the vessel II from the production plant is accordingly discontinued. The trycock connection at |43 (see Fig. 3) may be opened from time to time when the vessel is discharging to ascertain when the vessel isA fully discharged. As long as the trycock connection I 43 gives a discharge of liquid, it is an indication that the vessel II contains enough liquid to continue the supply of liquid through the controlling means to the header I9.

During transit, the car doors 20| and 202 are closed and locked (car-seals being applied if desired), as well as any end doors that may be in the box-car housing. It is thus seen that all parts of the tank car construction here provided are protected. When such tank car has arrived at a consumer installation, the car is again backed up on a siding adjacent a receiving device and a car door opened, for example, that at 202, and the closure plate at the end of a liquid phase connection, such as is'on I4, removed and a hose connection attached. When it is desired to withdraw liquid, the hand wheel IGI is manipulated so as to move the valve from its seat in the valve casing, |5I. Liquid under the influence of gravity in consequence passes into the header I9 and through the connection I4 into the receiving device, any contraction in the conduit being readily accommodated by the looped parts in the evacuated space between vessels I I and I2. The gravity flow of liquid under these circumstances is seen to be readily accomplished, since air pressure from the outside atmosphere is always Vacting on the top of the liquid in the inner vessel through the gas phase connectionsA I3 and I3. In the event of any injury to the controlling means so as to prevent the valve from being properly opened by the valve rod within the vessel II, Aliquid may still be withdrawn from the vessel II through the auxiliary liquid phase connection II. To start this connection operating while the valve at I5 is shut, pressure is, of course, required. This may be introduced from an external source through a gas phase connection, for example, through connection I3, when connection I3 is sealed by a closure plate on its end. Such pressure will lift liquid in the connection I1 past the elbow |10 and into branch I'II and from thence into header I9, the-low continuing so long as the pressure continues. The auxiliary connection is thus seen to be a safety means which insures the discharge of the vessel in the event of sticking of the valve at l5 or The sliding engagement of the valve rod |60 with the valve stem, whereby it is manipulated from the handwheel |6I, out- Yso side the vessel is seen to aiiord an operating connection with a relatively high degree of certainty oi operation and relatively free from trouble.

A tank car thus constructed and protected is seen to be adapted to the holding of the vacuum in the insulated space without substantial change lor relatively long periods of time, particularly in View oi the tact that both the inner and outer vessels are braced against thrusts and side swaying, which might tend to ther straining of the parts and induce leaks in the walls of the outer vessel, the bracing being applied in an imperiorate manner. l

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction and dilerent embodiments oi the invention could be made without departing the combination with a supporting car structure having a frame, oi an inner cylindrical vessel adapted for holding a liquefied gas, an outer vessel surrounding and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an intervening space for insulating purposes, means for supporting said vessels mounted on said car structtu'e, a gas phase conduit leading from an external point to the gas space in the top of said inner vessel, a liquid phase conduit leading from an opening in the lower wall of said inner vessel and extending laterally through the wall of said outer vessel, a liquid controlling means in said inner vessel for controlling-at will the passage of liquidto and lrorn sai opening, and sealing means or low thermal conductivity interposed between each of said conduits and the wall of said outer vessel.

d.. l'n a double-walled tanth car construction, the combination with a supporting car structure having a trame, of an inner cylindrical vessel adapted lor holding a liqueiied gas, an outer vessel surrounding and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an intervening space lor insulating purposes, means for supporting said vessels mounted on said car structure, a gas phase conduit leading from an external point on one side ot" said car trame to the ,gas space in the top ol said inner vessel, a liquid phase connection leading trom an opening in the lower wall ci' said inner vessel to a point on the exterior ci the outer vessel at another side oi said car frame, sealing means having relatively low thermal conductivity interposed between each oi said connections and the wall ci said outer vessel, each ol' said connections including an expansion loop located in said intervening space, and liquid controlling means in said inner vessel for controlling at will the passage of liquid to and from said opening. 1

d. ln a double-walled tank car construction having a trame, the combination with a supporting car structure, of an' inner cylindrical vessel adapted ior holding a liqueed gas, ari-outer vessel surrounding and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an intervening space lor holding insulating material and adapted to be evacuated, supporting means for said vessels associated with said car structure, said means including connections for separately supporting each oi said vessels, the lower wall of said inner vessel being provided with an opening, a liquid phase connection leading from said opening and extending laterally through the wall of said outer vessel, sealing means interposed between said connection and the wall oi said outer vessel, a liquid controlling means having a valve disposed in said inner vessel :for controlling the passage of liquid to and from said opening, a valve oper-l ating means extending into said inner vessel from a point without said outer vessel for actuating said valve, and an auxiliary liquid phase connection having a liquid seal adapted to be under a 'differential pressure control and leading from a point within said inner vessel near the bottom of the same .and communicating with saidiirstnamed liquid phase connection.

4. In a double-walled tank car construction, the combination with an inner cylindrical vessel adapted for holding a liquefied gas, of .an outer cylindrical vessel disposed about and spaced from Vsaid inner cylindrical vessel thereby providing an intervening space for holding insulating material and adapted to be evacuated, a car frame having a center sill provided with a bolster, a second frame for supporting said vessels disposed in supporting relation over said bolster, said second frame including means for individually supporting the walls of each of said vessels, a gas phase connection leading from a point withoutV said outer vessel through said intervening space to an opening adjacent the top of said inner vessel, a liquid phase connection leading from a point adjacent the bottom of said inner vessel through said intervening space to apoint without said outer vessel, and valved controlling means within said inner vessel for regulating the passage oi'liquid through said liquid phase connection.

5. ln a double-walled tank car construction, the combination with a supporting car structure, ci an inner cylindrical vessel adapted for holding a. liqueiied gas, an outer vessel surrounding and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an intervening space for holding insulating material and adapted to be evacuated, means for supporting .said vessels mounted on said car structure, said means including connections for separately supporting said vessels, liquid phase liti conduits leading from a common header coml sage of liquid to and from said header, a valve actuating means including a rod extending into said inner vessel from a point without said outer vessel and arranged to operate said valve, and means for hermetically sealing the passage of said rod disposed between said vessels.

6. In a double-Walled tank car construction, the combination with a supporting car structure, of an inner cylindrical'vessel adapted for holding a liquefied gas, an outer vessel surrounding and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an intervening space which is substantially closed, means for supporting said vessels mounted on said car structure, said means including connections for separately supporting said vessels, a multiway header in said intervening space and communicating with an opening in the lower wall of said inner vessel, a liquid phase conduit connected to said header and extending laterally through 55 said inner vessel for regulating at will the pasthe wall of said outer vessel, sealing means interposed between said conduit and the wall of said outer vessel and including an expansion loop located at a point between said header and the outer end, a liquid controlling means having a valve in said inner vessel for regulating the passage-of liquid to and from said header, a valve actuating means including a rod extending into said inner vessel from a point without said outer vessel and connected to said valve, and an expansible bellows disposed between said vessels about said rod and provided with hermetic sealing means for securing the same in the walls of said vessels.

7. In a double-walled tank car construction,

the combination with a supporting car structure, of an inner cylindrical vessel adapted for holding a liquefied gas, an outer vessel surrounding and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an intervening space which is substantially closed, means for supporting said/,vessels mounted on said car structure, said means including connections for separately supporting said vessels, liquid phase conduits leading from a common header communicating with said inner vessel through an opening in the lower Wall of said inner vessel, said header having passages from which said conduits lead laterally in opposite directions through the wall of said outer vessel, sealing means having relatively low thermal conductivity interposed betweenV each of saidv conduits and the wall of said outer vessel, each of said conduits including an expansion loop located at a point between said header and the outer ends and disposed in said intervening space, liquid controlling means having a `valve disposed in said inner vessel for controlling at will the passage of liquid through said header, and a valve actuating rod extending into said inner vessel from a point without said outer vessel and provided with a sliding .connection with said controlling means.

8. In a double-walled tank car construction, the combination with a supporting car structure, of an inner cylindrical vessel adapted for holding a liquefied gas, an outer vessel surrounding and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an intervening space which is substantially closed, means for supporting said vessels mounted on said car structure, said means including connections for separately supporting said vessels, a liquid phase conduit leading from a common header communicating with said inner vessel through an opening in the lower wall of said inner vessel, said header having at least one passage from which said conduit leads laterally in through the wall of said outer vessel, sealing means having relatively low thermal conductivity interposed between said conduit and the wall of said outer vessel, liquid controlling means having a valve disposed in said inner vessel for controlling at will the passage of liquid through said `header, and means comprising ar rod `for actuating said valve extending into said inner vessel from a point Without said outer vessel and having sliding connection to said controlling means.

9. In a double-walled tank car construction, the combination with an inner cylindrical vessel adapted for holding a liqueed gas, of an outer cylindrical vessel disposed about and spaced from said inner cylindrical vessel thereby providing an intervening space for holding insulating material and adapted to be evacuated, a car frame having a center sill provided with a bolster, a. second frame for supporting said vessels disposed .said outer vessel through said intervening space to an opening adjacent the top of said inner vessel, a liquid phase connection leading from. a

point adjacent the bottom of said inner vessel.

through said intervening space to a point without said outer vessel, valved means within saidA inner vessel for controlling the passage 'oi' liquid through said liquid phase connection, and means for hermetically sealing the passage of each of said connections through the wall of said outer vessel in a manner interposing a relatively large amount of thermal resistance to the passage of heat from said outer vessel to said connections.

10. In a double-walled tank car construction, the combination with an inner cylindrical vessel adapted for holding a liquefied gas, of an outer cylindrical vessel disposed about and spaced from said inner cylindrical vessel thereby providing an intervening space for holding insulating material and adapted to be evacuated, a car frame having aicenter sill 'provided with a bolster, a second frame for supporting said vessels disposed in supporting relation over said bolster, said second frame including means for individually supporting the walls of each of said vessels, a gas phase connection leading from a point without said outer vessel through said intervening space to an opening adjacent the top of said inner vessel, a liquid phase connection leading from a point adjacent the bottom of said inner vessel through said intervening space to a point Without said outer vessel, a controlling means having 'a valve member disposed within said inner vessel at the entrance to said liquid phase connection, a valve rod extending from an external operating point through ,the walls of said vessels into operating engagement with said valve member, and means for hermetically sealing the space between said vessels from said valve rod.

11. In a double-walled tank car construction, the combination with an inner cylindrical vessel adapted for holding a liquefied gas, of an outer cylindrical vessel disposed about and spaced from said inner cylindrical vessel thereby providing an intervening space for holding insulating material and adapted to be evacuated, a car frame having al center sill provided with a bolster, a, second frame for supporting said vessels disposed in supporting relation over said bolster, said second frame including means for individually supporting the walls of each of said vessels, a. gas phase connection leading from a point without said outer vessel through said intervening space to an outlet adjacent the top of said inner vessel, a liquid phase connection leading from a point adjacent the bottom of -said inner vessel through said intervenmg space to a point without said outer vessel, a controlling means having a valve member disposed within said inner vessel at the entrance to said liquid phase connection, a valve rod extending from an external' operating point through the walls of said vessels into operating engagement with said valve member, a packing gland disposed in the wall of said ou-ter vessel to accommodate the passage Aof said valve rod, passage means disposed on the outer wall of said inner vessel for similarly passing said valve rod into said inner vessel, and an expansible bellows member extending from said packing gland to sairli1 passage means and hermetically sealed to eac aandoet'V 12. In a double-walled tank car construction, the combination with a supporting car structure,

' of an inner cylindrical vessel adapted for holding a liqueed gas, an outer vessel surrounding and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an intervening space for holding insulating material and adapted to be evacuated, frames mounted in said car structure, each 4having connections for separately supporting said vessels,

conduits including an expansion loop located at a point between said common outlet and said sealing means, liquid controlling means having a valve disposed in said inner vessel for regulat` ing the passage of liquid at said common outlet, a valve actuating rod extending into said inner vessel from a point without said outer vessel to engage with the valve in said controlling means, an auxiliary liquid phase conduit leading from a point within said inner vessel near the bottom of the same to a point outside the top wall thereof, and a communicating conduit disposed in said intervening space for connecting said auxiliary conduit with said liquid phase conduits at a point below said liquid controlling means whereby liquid withdrawal may be effected independently of the actuation of said liquid controlling means.

13. lin a double-walled container,v the combination comprising inner and outer vessels, the former of which is provided with an opening in its bottom wall, a liquid controlling device disposed within said inner vessel for regulating the passage of liquid through said opening, said device comprising a valve cage having an opening for communication with the interior of said vessel, 'a downwardly-depending boss'and a valve member seating interiorly of the cage at the mouth of said boss, avnip-ple adapted for detachable engagement with said boss and brazed into place in said opening, a connection connected to said nipple and passing to a desired point on the exterior of said outer vessel, and means on the exterior of said outer vessel extending into said inner vessel foractuating said valve member.

14; In a double-walled container, the combination comprising inner and outer vessels, the 'former of which is provided with an opening in its bottom wall, a liquid controlling device disposed within said inner vessel for regulating the passage of liquid through said opening, said device comprising a valve cage having an opening for communicating with the interior of said vessel, a downwardly depending boss and a valve 'member having an upwardly extending valve stem and adapted to seat interiorly of the cage at the mouth of said boss, a nipple in detachable engagement with said boss and brazed into place in said opening, a connection connected to said nipple and passing to a desired point on the exterior of said outer vessel, a sleeve on said valve stein for providing sliding engagement therewith, and a valve actuating rod extending from a desired point on the exterior of said outer vessel and passing through said inner vessel for sliding engagement with said valve stem sleeve.

15. In a double-walled container, the combinationcomprising inner and outer vessels, the former of which is provided with an opening in its bottom wall, a liquid controlling device disposed within said inner vessel for regulating the passage of liquid through said opening, said device comprising a valve cage having an opening for communicating with the interior of said vessel, a downwardly depending boss and a valve member having an upwardly extending actuating stem and adapted to seat interior-ly oi the cage at the mouth of said boss, a nipple in detachable engagement with said boss and brazed into place in said opening ilush with the interior surface of the bottom ,wall of said inner vessel, a connection connected to said nipple and passing to a desired point on the exterior of said outer vessela screen for preventing the passage of undesired particles in the liquid disposed about said cage, a sleeve on said valve stem having a follower adapted for sliding engagement, a valve actuating rod extending from a desired point on the exterior of said outer vessel through said inner vessel into engagement with said follower, and means for hermetically sealing the passage of said valve actuating rod through the walls of said inner and outer vessels.

16. 1n a double-walled tank car construction, the combination with an inner cylindrical vessel adapted tor holding a liquefied gas, of an outer cylindrical vessel4 disposed about and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an interven- 1ng space for holding insulating material and adapted to be evacuated, a car frame for transporting said vessels including a center sill, a second frame for mounting said vessels in supporting relation over said center sill, means cooperating with the second frame for strengthening the same and imparting conventional clearances, conduit connections affording'ingress and egress of the gas material held in said 'inner vessel disposed in said insulating space and passing through the cylindrical wall cf-said outer vessel and terminated exteriorly thereof at a point within the conventional clearances of said car frame, and :meansv :for hermetically sealing the passage of said conduit connections through said cylindrical wall.

17. lin a doublewalled tank car construction, the combination with an inner cylindrical vessel adapted for holding a liquefied gas, of anouter cylindrical' vessel disposed about and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an intervening-space for holding insulating material and adapted to be evacuated, a car frame for transporting said vessels having conventional clearances and provided with a center sill, a second frame Alor mounting said vessels in supporting relation over said center sill, a superstructure on said car frame forv protectingv said vessels and disposed in a manner imparting additional strength and stiness to said car frame, conduit connections affording ingress and egress of the gas material held in said inner vessel disposed in said insulating space and passing through the cylindrical wall of said outer vessel and terminated exteriorly thereof at a point within the conventional clearances or said car frame and within said superstructure, and means for hermetically sealing the passage of said conduit con. nections through said cylindrical wall.

18. in a double-walled tanlr car construction, the combination with an inner cylindrical Vessel adapted for holding a liquefied gas, of an outer cylindrical vessel disposed about and spaced from said inner vessel thereby providing an intervening space for holding insulating material and adapted to be evacuated, a car frame for transporting said vessels having conventional clearances and provided with a center sill, a second frame for mounting said vessels in supporting relation over said center sill, a superstructure on said car frame for protecting said vessels and disposed in a manner imparting additional strength and stiffness to said car frame, conduit connections aiording ingress and egress of the gas material held in said inner vessel disposed in said insulating space and passing through the cylindrical wall of said outer vessel and terminated l0 exteriorly thereof at a point within the conventional clearances of said car frame and within said superstructure, means for hermetically sealing the passage oi said conduit connections through said cylindrical wall, and movable members vassociated with said superstructure adapted to be moved into positions atfording ready access to said external terminals of said connections.

ODD A. HANSEN. JAMES G. VAN VLEET. 

